The Role of Self-Assessment When Establishing or Shifting Into A New Career

If you are establishing or shifting to a new career, I would recommend that you make a very clear determination of your real preferences and strong interests. This information will keep you in good stead towards the best career options for you.

Asking other people about their opinion of you is not a reliable means to do this. They might not know everything about you to help. If you rely on your own personal judgment alone, there might be aspects of you that you are not aware of but that other people could see from their vantage point. (Read more about the Johari Window to understand this phenomenon).

The best option is to use assessment tools such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI) or the Strong Interest Inventory® or, better yet, a combination of both. Insight offers these two tests and provides a complimentary 30-minute career coaching to go over and above the one-hour review of the details of the results.

The details from the results and the wealth of information that are derived from both assessments are truly amazing and enlightening. The richness of the analytical inputs provided and the depth of insights derived from them could serve as guideposts to career selection and long-term career planning. Considering how many people I’ve met who are unhappy in their jobs and in search of a more fulfilling career, this is one of the best investments you can make for your future.